Central chemoreceptors

Category
Interoception
Function
Brainstem pH / CO₂
Quantity
Distributed neuronal populations, not a single organ
Density
Ventral medullary surface and nearby nuclei
Distribution
Medulla (and contributing midbrain / hypothalamic cells)

Relative Deployment

Notes

Primary CO₂ sensor for resting ventilation. Distinct from the carotid-body O₂ sensor.

Interacting Systems & Components